There was a major surprise at this year's Glancy tournament after Leeds JGS claimed its first ever success to win the main prize.

Leeds edged out host team Whitefield in a thrilling finale in a competition played under the auspices of the Association of Jewish Golf Clubs and Societies.

When the players and organisers arrived at the Club on Friday they found the course closed after the ravages of the summer rains and the prospect of two full days competition over the weekend seemed remote.

However, the President of the host club, Anthony Harris, was determined that the efforts that the membership and staff had put in over the past two years would not be wasted and assisted by an end to the incessant rain, all those connected with the event made sure that the course was ready for play at 7.15am on Saturday morning. In particular special praise is due to the greenstaff. The players, supporters and organisers were full of praise for the Club and the ‘we shall not be beaten attitude’ set an engaging tone for the weekend.

These are important times in the life of the Glancy, now in its 74th year of competition. The void left by the withdrawal of some of the established Clubs has been eagerly filled by the emergence of Societies whose enthusiasm has breathed fresh life and energy into the event.

Whitefield is a difficult course made even tougher by the wet ground conditions and although this was generally reflected in the scores there were some outstanding performances from a talented field.

Saturday’s play was foursomes and the best gross score of 73 was returned by Jay McGarvey and Matt Bernstein of Whitefield, whilst the net prize went to David Copeland and Daniel Gaya of Bonnyton.

The team aggregate foursomes, with three out of four gross scores counting was, won by Hartsbourne whilst Whitefield won the trophy for the net score.

The North East Jewish Golf Society (NEJGS) triumphed when for the first time in any Glancy, the Team representing NEJGS won four trophies.

They included The Presidents Trophy for Best Glancy Song, written by Barry Speker and performed by Barry Speker and James Taylor. This won by an overwhelming majority due to the controversial and topical content of the song and of course their musical ability. The NEJGS also clinched the Best Net overall in Singles, Best combined singles and foursomes net for Societies and Overall best net singles for a Society.

James Taylor, captain of NEJGS, said: "Our success made the effort to get the team together to compete in the Glancy so worthwhile, the Team are delighted.

"Whitefield had worked extremely hard to have the course open and in good condition for the competition, and were fantastic hosts for the Glancy."